It is not a secret that in a great singer the voice is not everything. Having it is an absolute privilege that implies responsibilities. When there is voice and intelligence, things improve. And if you add feeling (call it spirit, soul or heart) you get a product designed to stay, to transcend. This is the case that today Joyce DiDonato exemplifies without a doubt. The mezzo from Kansas shows that it is not enough to be in possession of an exceptional voice, what she does,

Joyce DiDonato has been honored as the 2017 ECHO Klassik Female Artist of the Year, her fourth time receiving the award.

She was previously named Female Singer of the Year in 2010, 2013, and 2015. The designation recognizes Ms. DiDonato’s tremendous stage and recording career; highlights from this past year include the release of her album “In War & Peace – Harmony Through Music” and its subsequent international tour, and her critically acclaimed debut in the title role of Semiramide at the Bayerische Staatsoper.
The award ceremony and Gala Concert will be hosted

The term “anti‑diva” as epithet of Joyce DiDonato has been used extensively, but really that’s the first appellative coming to mind when entering in contact with her extraordinary presence. All about her is genuine passion for her job, and no trace of a primadonna demeanor."

The Side Balcony13 Jun 2017

Have you ever seen a world renowned opera singer sitting patiently at the back corner of the stage for a good fifteen minutes while waiting for the audience to fill the auditorium? The term “anti-diva” as epithet of Joyce DiDonato has been used extensively, but really that’s the first appellative coming to mind when entering in contact with her extraordinary presence. All about her is genuine passion for her job, and no trace of a primadonna demeanor.
The programme,

Joyce DiDonato would like to thank The Pure Land Foundation and Bruno Wang Productions for their generous support.

She would also like to thank Five Arts Foundation as recommended by Helen Berggruen, Susan and John Singer, Helen and Peter Bing, Paul Sekhri, The Howard and Sarah D. Solomon Foundation and Marnie and Kern Wildenthal for their additional support.